Name: Funfetti Snowball Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 14 min
Total time: 29 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter (softened); 1/2 cup powdered sugar (plus more for rolling); 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup rainbow sprinkles; 1/2 cup finely chopped pecans (optional)

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Funfetti Snowball Cookies are the ultimate bite-sized treat for any celebration or cozy afternoon. Imagine the dreamy taste of buttery, melt-in-your-mouth cookies—with a pop of cheerful rainbow sprinkles and a gentle shower of powdered sugar, making every bite feel like a party. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, gifting to friends, or just want something fun yet simple to whip up, these cookies bring instant joy and big flavor with just a handful of ingredients.

Funfetti Snowball Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The charm of Funfetti Snowball Cookies is how such basic ingredients come together to create a magical cookie packed with texture and color. Each component plays a key role, contributing a special touch of flavor, softness, or festive sparkle to the finished product.

Unsalted butter (softened): This is your foundation—use room-temperature butter for that perfectly creamy, easy-to-mix base and a truly tender crumb.
Powdered sugar (plus more for rolling): Powdered sugar dissolves beautifully, keeping the cookies soft and ensuring each bite is sweet without being overwhelming—plus it creates the classic snowy finish.
Vanilla extract: Just a splash brings warmth and depth, making the cookie flavor extra comforting.
All-purpose flour: Provides structure and gives that signature meltaway texture we all crave in snowball cookies.
Salt: This tiny pinch balances the sweetness and makes every other flavor stand out just a little more.
Rainbow sprinkles: The heart of ”funfetti”—use your favorite colors, and don’t be shy; these turn every bite into a mini celebration!
Finely chopped pecans (optional): For a subtle nutty crunch and a nod to traditional snowball cookies—the cookies are great with or without nuts.

How to Make Funfetti Snowball Cookies

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Baking Sheet

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper; this keeps the bottoms of your Funfetti Snowball Cookies tender and makes cleaning up a breeze.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and powdered sugar together until the mixture is light, fluffy, and almost cloudlike. This step is the secret to that melt-in-your-mouth magic, so don’t rush it—give it a couple of extra minutes to get really airy.

Step 3: Add Vanilla

Pour in the vanilla extract and mix just until combined. The aroma alone at this stage will make your kitchen feel like a happy place!

Step 4: Bring the Dough Together

Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing on low speed (or by hand) until a soft, cohesive dough forms. Don’t worry if it looks a little crumbly at first; it will come together as you mix.

Step 5: Fold in Sprinkles and Pecans

Gently fold in the rainbow sprinkles and, if using, the finely chopped pecans. This is where your dough turns into pure fun—swirls of color streaking every spoonful!

Step 6: Shape the Cookies

Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on your prepared baking sheet about an inch apart. The neat little spheres won’t spread much, so you can fit quite a few at once.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 12 to 14 minutes, until the bottoms are just golden and the tops are still pale. The soft centers keep the Funfetti Snowball Cookies irresistibly tender, so watch closely near the end.

Step 8: Snowy Sugar Coating

Let the cookies cool for about 5 minutes, then roll them in powdered sugar while they’re still warm—this helps the sugar cling and gives you that iconic, beautiful snowy look. Once fully cooled, roll them again for a double layer of sweetness and holiday-ready style.

How to Serve Funfetti Snowball Cookies

Garnishes

For extra sparkle, dust the finished cookies with a final shower of powdered sugar just before serving. A pinch of extra rainbow sprinkles on the serving platter can make your Funfetti Snowball Cookies stand out at any party table.

Side Dishes

Serve alongside a mug of hot cocoa, a steaming cup of tea, or an icy glass of cold milk—these cookies are perfect for pairing, as their sweet, buttery flavor complements just about any drink.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange Funfetti Snowball Cookies in a pastel tin lined with bright tissue paper, or stack them on a cake stand for a festive centerpiece. For a personalized touch, tie up a few in small cellophane bags: they make adorable edible gifts for birthdays, holidays, or little “thinking of you” surprises.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once completely cooled, keep your Funfetti Snowball Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh, soft, and delightful for up to five days—though they almost never last that long in my house!

Freezing

These cookies freeze beautifully. Place the uncoated cookies in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to two months. When ready to serve, thaw and then roll in a fresh layer of powdered sugar for that signature snowy finish.

Reheating

If you want to recreate that just-baked warmth, give the cookies a quick zap in the microwave (about 5-10 seconds). The sugar will get a little melty and delicious—just be careful not to overdo it, as the cookies are delicate.

FAQs

Can I make these cookies nut-free?

Absolutely! You can completely omit the pecans in Funfetti Snowball Cookies for a nut-free version, and they’ll still be deliciously tender and festive.

Do I have to use rainbow sprinkles, or can I switch up the colors?

Feel free to use any color combination of sprinkles—holiday hues, pastels, or even metallics. It’s a fun way to match your Funfetti Snowball Cookies to any event or season!

What’s the best way to keep the cookies soft?

Store the cookies in a tightly-sealed container at room temperature, adding a small piece of bread if you’re in a very dry climate. This keeps your Funfetti Snowball Cookies beautifully soft for days.

How do I prevent the sprinkles from bleeding into the dough?

Gently fold the sprinkles in at the end, and avoid overmixing after they’re added. Using “jimmies” (the long, rod-shaped sprinkles) helps avoid color bleeding as well.

Can I double this recipe for a bigger batch?

Yes, you can easily double all the ingredients to make more Funfetti Snowball Cookies, which is perfect for parties or gifting. Just mix with a larger bowl and bake in batches to avoid crowding.

Final Thoughts

There’s something irresistibly happy about pulling a batch of Funfetti Snowball Cookies from the oven, watching that powdered sugar tumble down like fresh snow. Give these cookies a try, share them with loved ones, and watch as every colorful bite brings a smile—because sometimes, a little bit of sprinkle magic is exactly what a day needs.

Funfetti Snowball Cookies Recipe

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4.6 from 24 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 29 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Funfetti Snowball Cookies are a delightful treat perfect for any occasion. Butter cookies studded with rainbow sprinkles and optional pecans, coated in powdered sugar for a snowy finish. They are easy to make and even easier to enjoy!

Ingredients

Scale

For the cookies:

1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
1/2 cup powdered sugar (plus more for rolling)
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup rainbow sprinkles
1/2 cup finely chopped pecans (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in the vanilla extract.
Add dry ingredients: Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until a soft dough forms. Fold in the rainbow sprinkles and chopped pecans if using.
Form and bake: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet about 1 inch apart. Bake for 12–14 minutes until lightly golden.
Coat with sugar: Allow the cookies to cool for 5 minutes, then roll them in powdered sugar while still warm. Once fully cooled, roll them in powdered sugar again for a snowy finish.
Storage: Store in an airtight container.